Using cytokines to treat cervical intraepithelial and invasive neoplasia.

A big challenge for research today is the manipulation of the immune system in order to destroy the neoplastic cells of tumors different origins by using cytokines and other immunostimulants. Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) has been used clinically and has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of various cell types in vivo and in vitro. This cytokine has been widely used in the treatment of infectious and chronic degenerative diseases and cancer. In this review, we describe different patents covering the use of cytokines and peptides as therapies for cervical intraepithelial neoplasias and cervical cancer, paying special attention to the use of IFN-alpha.